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Madison, WI Animal Ordinances: Bird Protection (2026)

Heavy Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

What's banned
Injuring, attempting to injure, or destroying wild birds
Scope
Citywide, any wild bird species
Penalty
$300 fixed forfeiture
Enforcement
Police, humane officers, animal control officers
Governing section
Madison General Ordinances § 23.19

Summary

It is unlawful to injure, attempt to injure, or destroy any wild bird within the City of Madison, under Madison General Ordinances § 23.19. The rule carries a flat $300 forfeiture on the City's citation schedule, enforced by the Police Department and humane and animal control officers alongside Madison's other animal-protection sections.

23.19 - DESTRUCTION OF BIRDS PROHIBITED. No person shall injure or attempt to injure or destroy, within the limits of the City of Madison, any wild bird.

Source: Madison AudubonView official code

Full Breakdown

19, titled "Destruction of Birds Prohibited," states plainly that no person shall injure or attempt to injure or destroy any wild bird within the limits of the City of Madison: a citywide, species-blanket protection with no listed exceptions for nuisance birds or property damage claims. 185's ban on harassing police animals. 19 along with the chapter's other animal sections. 42, bans feeding birds on public property, addressing a different type of conduct than injuring or destroying them. Because the ordinance doesn't define "wild bird" or carve out exceptions, it applies broadly to any non-domesticated bird species found within city limits, distinguishing it from the state's more specific game and nuisance-species statutes.

Violations & Fines

A violation of § 23.19 is subject to a $300 forfeiture under the City's citation schedule, enforceable by police officers, humane officers, or animal control officers, separate from the broader $2,000-cap cruelty-to-animals forfeiture available under § 23.18 for related conduct.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it illegal to harm wild birds in Madison?
Yes, § 23.19 makes it unlawful for any person to "injure or attempt to injure or destroy, within the limits of the City of Madison, any wild bird," with no listed exceptions for nuisance species or property damage.
What's the fine for injuring a wild bird in Madison?
The City's citation schedule sets a $300 forfeiture specifically for violating § 23.19, separate from the general animal-cruelty forfeiture of up to $2,000 available under § 23.18.
Who enforces Madison's bird protection ordinance?
Humane officers, animal control officers, and law enforcement officers all have authority to cite violations of § 23.19, the same enforcement group the City assigns to its other animal-protection sections like §§ 23.18 and 23.185.
Does Madison's bird ban cover feeding birds too?
No, § 23.19 only bans injuring or destroying wild birds; a separate rule, § 8.42, prohibits feeding birds on public property, so the two protections address different conduct under different sections.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Madison

Dog Leash LawsSome RestrictionsChickens & LivestockSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Height LimitsSome RestrictionsPet Groomer RulesSome RestrictionsPet Store RulesHeavy RestrictionsExotic PetsHeavy RestrictionsWildlife FeedingSome RestrictionsMandatory Spay/NeuterSome RestrictionsCat RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSome RestrictionsFire Regulations: Outdoor BurningSignificant Restrictions

All Madison rules

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